By Lamin Njie
The Gambia Democratic Congress said Thursday its leader has cut short his foreign trip and will return to The Gambia to take part in ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace.
Mass protests erupted in Serrekunda Wednesday afternoon following the death of 33-year-old businessman Ousman Darboe. Darboe is believed to have died as a result of torture allegedly meted out to him by the police – and a procession of mainly angry youths congregated at the Serekunda police station and Police Anti-Crime Unit in Bijilo respectively to protest Darboe’s death. The protests continued into Wednesday evening.
On Thursday, opposition GDC said in a statement its leader Mamma Kandeh “is keenly following events in the Gambia and has expressed grave concern about current situation in our country.”
“From abroad, he calls for restraint, calm and law-abiding on both sides of the confrontation. He is extremely sad and sorry for the death of Mr Ousman Darboe a market vendor and in the same vein urge the protesters to resort to dialogue,” the statement said.
“He extend his condolence to the family of the deceased and urging the authorities to conduct a swift and an impartial investigation on the incident.
“Hon kandeh reminds us all that the peace and stability of our nation rest entirely on our individual and collective responsibilities.
“Hon. Kandeh is expected to cut his overseas trip to return to the Gambia and play a pivotal role in our nation’s ongoing reconciliation and transformation.”
Mamma Kandeh will arrive at the Banjul International Airport later today, The Fatu Network understands.
